Raya Makawi

Raya is a leading figure in driving sustainability across the Middle East and Africa, spearheading active ESG initiatives across more than 10 countries. Her leadership in co-organizing COP27 and COP28 has made a significant impact in advancing climate action and environmental stewardship. For two consecutive years, Raya has been recognized as one of the Middle East’s most inspirational women in leadership by the House of Rose Professional organization, a testament to her dedication and influence.

Since joining 3M in 2012, Raya has brought over a decade of experience in Innovation, Quality Management, and Product Stewardship. Her expertise has seen her take on champion roles in special projects such as the Abu Dhabi WorldSkills event in 2017 and the Women’s Leadership Forum – Gulf Chapter from 2018-2019. Raya’s leadership extended to her role as a steering committee member for the Technical Women’s Leadership Forum – EMEA from 2021 to 2023.

In recognition of her accomplishments, Raya has been appointed the EMEA Technical Women in Leadership Chair for 2024-2025. She also represents 3M MEA in the UNGC Accelerators for Climate Action and Target Gender Equality, further underscoring her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Before her impactful tenure at 3M, Raya made her mark in both academia and the government sector, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current roles.